Middle Andaman demands formation of Baratang Havelock Corridor

Baratang Correspondent
Baratang, July 19: The residents and grassroot leaders of Middle Andaman region have been demanding for formation of Baratang-Havelock Corridor, to boost tourism in the Middle Andaman region.
The Baratang Islands has become one of the favorite destinations in Andaman for Indian tourists although not too many foreign touristsvisit the Islands.
Till now, the Baratang is famous only for Lime Stones Cave, Parrot Island and Mud Volcano but not many people know that Baratang has some other good places like Baludera and Roglachang Beach.
Although the journey from Port Blair to Baratang is nearly 3-4 hours long but not many people know that Baratang is hardly 30 minutes away from Havelock and hence local tour operators are now demanding to develop a Baratang-Havelock Corridor so that those tourists, especially foreign tourists, who visit Havelock can easily visit Baratang in small boats and enjoy all best destinations of Middle Andaman too, Alagar, a grassroot leader of Baratang area told Andaman Sheekha.
Recently, the Administration has been criticised by the International organisations for keeping the ATR open for tourists and many believe if the Baratang and Havelock Corridor is opened and some small passenger boats are kept for the route, then tourists can easily come to Baratang from Havelock in small boats.
After visiting Baratang, they can either go back to Havelock or come back to Port Blair via road, this will reduce half of the traffic in ATR, Mr Alagar added.
According to local tour operators of Baratang region, Baratang provides many possibilities for Andaman Tourism, if Baratang- Havelock Corridor is developed, tourists won’t mind visiting Rangat and other areas of Middle Andaman too and hence, the entire Tourism Industry will get a boost.
Talking to the media, Director of Andamans Tourism Department Vishwakannan accepted that the Administration is aware of the Baratang- Havelock Corridor but he said there are some hurdles.
The entry point of Baratang has some rocky sea-bed, for which dredging has to be carried out so that passenger ferry can enter Baratang port. Once the dredging work is over, the Baratang- Havelock Corridor can be opened, the Director added.